I’ve made many Amish-style shredded chicken sandwiches for family and community events. Getting the right portion sizes is key. Whether it’s a church potluck, backyard barbecue, or tailgate party, having enough chicken is crucial.
To feed 50 people, plan ahead and figure out how much chicken you need. You’ll want about 16 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This ensures each sandwich has enough chicken to fill the buns generously.
This Amish-inspired shredded chicken recipe is perfect for big groups. You can cook the chicken in advance using slow cookers. Then, just reheat and assemble the sandwiches when it’s time to serve. Each sandwich needs about 3 ounces of chicken, but it’s smart to have a bit more for extra portions and waste.
Key Takeaways
- For 50 Amish-style shredded chicken sandwiches, you’ll need approximately 16 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- The chicken can be cooked in advance using slow cookers, making it easy to prepare large batches for a crowd.
- Plan for about 3 ounces of shredded chicken per sandwich, but have a little extra on hand to account for generous portions and potential waste.
- Slow cooker cooking allows you to prepare the chicken the night before and simply reheat it when it’s time to assemble the sandwiches.
- This Amish-inspired recipe is perfect for feeding a large group, whether it’s a church potluck, a backyard barbecue, or a tailgate party.
Understanding Portion Sizes for Large-Scale Sandwich Making
When making chicken sandwiches for a big group, it’s key to guess the chicken amount right. A good rule is to plan for 3 ounces of cooked chicken per sandwich. This size makes sure everyone gets a full and tasty sandwich.
If you’re also looking for inspiration on serving delicious casseroles alongside sandwiches, check out this Sweet Potato and Bacon Casserole Recipe, which pairs well with sandwiches.
Calculating Chicken Per Sandwich
For 50 guests, you’ll need about 150 ounces or 9.4 pounds of cooked chicken for the fillings. But, it’s smart to make a bit more. This extra helps with any extra guests or food waste.
Total Amount Needed for 50 People
To have enough chicken for 50 sandwiches, start with 16 pounds of raw chicken. This extra helps with any chicken shrinkage during cooking. It makes sure you have enough shredded chicken for all the sandwiches.
Accounting for Waste and Extra Servings
When serving a big group, it’s good to make about 10-15% more than you think you’ll need. This extra helps with any food waste or last-minute requests. It ensures you have enough of those tasty chicken sandwich recipes and homemade chicken sandwiches made with farm fresh ingredients.
“The key to successful large-scale sandwich making is accurate portion planning and a little extra preparation to ensure you have enough of those delicious chicken sandwich recipes to go around.”
Essential Equipment and Preparation Tools
Preparing large-scale Amish food traditions and shredded chicken dishes needs the right tools. You’ll need slow cookers and shredding tools. The right setup makes the process easy and efficient.
For 50 people, use at least two 7-quart slow cookers. These big cookers help cook the chicken evenly. You’ll also need a large hotel pan or similar container for shredding and serving.
- Slow cookers (7-quart capacity or larger)
- Large hotel pan or deep, wide container for shredding and serving
- Tongs for handling the cooked chicken
- Potato masher or similar tool for shredding the chicken
- Saucepan for preparing any sauces or seasonings
- Can opener for canned ingredients
Disposable aluminum hotel pans make serving and cleanup easy. Using a slow cooker liner also helps with cleanup.
“The key to successful large-scale shredded chicken dish preparation is having the right tools on hand to make the process efficient and seamless.”
With these tools, you’re ready to make delicious Amish food traditions for your next event.
Selecting the Right Type of Chicken
Choosing the right chicken is key to making authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. For the best shredded chicken sandwiches, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. These cuts are easy to shred and stay moist, giving a tender texture that fits well with the Amish tradition.
Fresh vs. Canned Chicken Options
Fresh, high-quality chicken is the top choice for true Pennsylvania Dutch flavor. But, canned chicken is also a good option if you’re short on time. Mix boneless white meat with dark meat from canned chicken to get a mix of textures. This blend can make your shredded chicken taste like it was freshly made.
Best Cuts for Shredding
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Chicken breasts (when using a combination with canned chicken)
Quality Considerations
Whether you pick fresh or canned chicken, choose the best, farm-fresh ingredients for Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Using top-quality, locally-sourced produce and proteins will make your shredded chicken sandwiches taste better and feel more authentic.
“The key to authentic Amish cooking is to use the freshest, most wholesome ingredients you can find. That’s why we always source our chicken from local, sustainable farms whenever possible.”
– Mary, Pennsylvania Dutch Culinary Expert
If you’re wondering about alternatives to chicken or preparing other proteins for your meal, learn more about why soaking sweet potatoes before baking matters, which can inspire side dishes for your gathering.
Amish Shredded Chicken Sandwiches: Traditional Recipe
Dive into the rich flavors of Amish chicken salad with this classic recipe from Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Get ready for a taste adventure as we share the secrets to making the best shredded chicken sandwiches. These are a favorite in Amish communities.
The dish starts with slow-cooked chicken, seasoned with aromatic spices. Let the chicken simmer slowly. This way, the flavors blend well, and the meat becomes tender and easy to shred.
Once the chicken is tender, it’s time to make the creamy filling. The key ingredient is condensed cream of chicken soup. It adds a smooth texture. Mix it with savory stuffing mix for a delicious spread. This filling is perfect for topping fresh rolls or soft bread.
“The Amish know a thing or two about crafting hearty, satisfying meals, and their shredded chicken sandwiches are no exception. This recipe captures the essence of their culinary traditions, delivering a taste of the Pennsylvania countryside in every bite.”
So, get your ingredients ready, start the slow cooker, and let the Amish magic happen. These sandwiches are great for family gatherings, community events, or a cozy meal at home. The flavors will surely impress and satisfy everyone.
Slow Cooker Method for Large Batch Cooking
Preparing Amish deli sandwiches or homemade chicken sandwiches for a crowd is easy with a slow cooker. This appliance helps cook large batches of shredded chicken with little effort. Just remember to set the right temperature and timing to keep the chicken tender and tasty.
Temperature Settings and Timing
For the best results, use two 7-quart slow cookers. Set the temperature to high and cook for about 4 hours. Or, for a slower method, set it to low and cook for 8 hours. Always start checking the chicken after 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. It should be very tender when done.
Batch Size Recommendations
If your slow cookers are smaller, cook the chicken in batches. Use about 4 pounds of chicken per batch. This ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken quality high. Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding and helps achieve tender, flavorful chicken.
The slow cooker method is perfect for making large amounts of shredded chicken. With the right temperature and batch sizes, you can make delicious, tender chicken. Your guests will love it.
Creating the Perfect Sauce and Seasonings
Improving your chicken sandwich recipes begins with a great sauce and seasoning mix. This mix comes from Amish food traditions. It’s all about combining savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Start with a flavorful chicken stock as your sauce base. Add a bit of brown sugar to balance the flavors and sweeten it. Mix in chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a deeper taste.
For a fresh twist, add orange and lime juice, along with their zests. These citrusy touches brighten the sauce and balance the chicken’s richness.
Thicken the sauce with cornstarch for a smooth, clingy texture. This makes the flavors blend perfectly with the chicken.
By finding the right mix of sweet, savory, and tangy, you’ll make a sauce that enhances your chicken sandwich recipes. It honors Amish food traditions and will impress your guests.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing homemade chicken sandwiches with farm fresh ingredients in advance saves time. To keep the shredded chicken fresh and flavorful, follow these tips:
Proper Cooling Methods
After cooking the chicken, cool it quickly to stop bacterial growth. Divide the shredded chicken into shallow containers and refrigerate within two hours. This fast cooling keeps the chicken fresh and prevents spoilage.
Refrigeration Guidelines
- Store the shredded chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn.
- When reheating, warm the shredded chicken in a slow cooker or in a 150°F oven. This keeps the chicken’s quality and texture.
By following these tips, your homemade chicken sandwiches will always be fresh and delicious. They’ll be ready to impress your guests.
Sandwich Assembly and Serving Suggestions
When serving Amish shredded chicken sandwiches to a crowd, being efficient is crucial. Set up a buffet station for guests to make their own sandwiches. Keep the shredded chicken warm in a large pan or slow cooker.
Offer soft, fresh buns or rolls for the sandwiches. Line them up or display them on a platter. This invites guests to pick one and create their ideal sandwich. Next to the buns, have a variety of chicken sandwich toppings in bowls or containers. These include:
- Crisp lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Crunchy pickle chips
- Tangy onion slices
- Creamy mayonnaise or Amish-style salad dressing
- Zesty mustard
For a different approach, serve the shredded Amish chicken over white rice instead of on a bun. This is great for big groups since it’s quicker to serve. Guests can enjoy a filling meal with just a spoonful of chicken over rice.
| Topping | Recommended Amount per 50 Sandwiches |
|---|---|
| Shredded lettuce | 4 heads |
| Sliced tomatoes | 25 tomatoes |
| Pickle chips | 2 jars (32 oz each) |
| Onion slices | 3 large onions |
| Mayonnaise | 2 quarts |
| Mustard | 1 quart |
Offering different serving options and a full topping bar makes your Amish shredded chicken sandwiches a crowd-pleaser. It caters to everyone’s tastes and preferences.
Popular Toppings and Condiments
Choosing the right toppings and condiments is key to a great Amish deli-style shredded chicken sandwich. There are many options to make your sandwich stand out. From classic favorites to new additions, you can find something to please everyone.
Classic Combinations
For a traditional Amish touch, try shredded cheese, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños. These toppings pair well with the chicken. They offer a comforting taste that’s familiar and loved.
Contemporary Add-ons
Want to try something new? Add chunky salsa, creamy avocado salsa, or Cholula hot sauce. Sliced green onions and fresh cilantro can also add a fresh twist. These toppings bring a vibrant flavor to your Amish deli sandwich.
| Topping | Flavor Profile | Complementary Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Cheese | Creamy, Melty | Amish Shredded Chicken, Sour Cream |
| Sour Cream | Tangy, Cool | Shredded Chicken, Pickled Jalapeños |
| Pickled Jalapeños | Spicy, Vinegary | Shredded Chicken, Sour Cream |
| Chunky Salsa | Zesty, Tomato-Based | Shredded Chicken, Avocado Salsa |
| Avocado Salsa | Creamy, Herbal | Shredded Chicken, Chunky Salsa |
| Cholula Hot Sauce | Spicy, Vinegary | Shredded Chicken, Sliced Green Onions |
| Sliced Green Onions | Mild, Oniony | Shredded Chicken, Cholula Hot Sauce |
| Fresh Cilantro | Herbal, Citrusy | Shredded Chicken, Avocado Salsa |
By mixing classic and new toppings, you can make a shredded chicken sandwich for everyone. It’s a great way to enhance the traditional Amish deli experience.
Cost-Effective Shopping and Budgeting Tips
Preparing Amish shredded chicken sandwiches for a big group? Keeping costs down is key. Luckily, there are ways to keep quality high while saving money.
Shopping at budget-friendly stores like Walmart can help a lot. They offer farm fresh ingredients and Amish food traditions at lower prices. If fresh chicken is too pricey, canned chicken is a tasty and affordable substitute.
Buying spices in bulk is another smart move. You can get garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for less. Using Ritz crackers as a thickener is also a budget-friendly choice.
When budgeting, focus on what really matters. Choose high-quality chicken or authentic Amish seasonings for the best flavor. For other parts, find cheaper options that still taste good.
| Ingredient | Cost-Effective Option | Premium Option |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Canned chicken | Fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
| Spices | Bulk spices | Specialty spice blends |
| Thickener | Ritz crackers | Bread crumbs or flour |
With these tips, you can enjoy delicious Amish shredded chicken sandwiches without spending too much.
Conclusion
Amish shredded chicken sandwiches are a hit at big gatherings. This guide shows how to make tasty chicken sandwiches for 50 people or more. It covers everything from portion sizes to the best ingredients and how to prepare them.
These sandwiches are perfect for family reunions, community barbecues, or corporate events. The tender chicken, sauce, and toppings make for a comforting meal. Plus, they’re easy on the wallet, keeping your event budget-friendly.
Learning to make Amish shredded chicken sandwiches brings traditional cooking to big events. It’s a mix of old-fashioned flavors and modern ease. Your guests will enjoy the meal and remember the event fondly.